New program expands free book access for N.B. students
More than 50,000 free digital books are now available to students in New Brunswick’s anglophone school districts.
The books are available through the Rally Reader digital reading platform, which is being offered free of charge through funding from RBC.
Parents and guardians can download the app on most mobile devices, create an account and select their child’s grade level to access age-appropriate reading material.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson said the program is intended to help improve literacy by giving students more opportunities to read books that interest them.
“Literacy is a top priority for us, and we know that the more students read, the more their literacy improves,” Johnson said.
“We also know that choice is a strong motivating factor in getting students to read more, and the platform has a huge selection, so students can choose books that interest them.”
The department said the platform is designed to increase reading engagement and support reading practice at home.
In addition to its digital library, Rally Reader includes tools that provide real-time feedback during oral reading exercises and track reading progress.
Johnson said research shows regular exposure to a wide variety of books can have benefits beyond learning to read.
“There is compelling research on the positive impact that increased exposure to a wide range of books has on reading achievement, on motivation and engagement, and on overall academic success,” she said.
“And that’s not only students who are just learning to read. Everyone benefits from reading more.”
Andrea Reisman Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Rally Reader, said giving students the freedom to choose their own reading material can help encourage lifelong reading habits.
“We share Minister Johnson’s belief that choice motivates students to read, and the more students read, the more they grow,” she said.
“Reading builds vocabulary. It strengthens critical thinking skills. It expands knowledge and opens new worlds. We are excited to bring this program to New Brunswick and grateful to RBC for its partnership and support.”
The province said families already have access to free books through New Brunswick’s 52 public libraries and the Sora e-library.
Rally Reader is intended to expand digital access to books at home by allowing students to begin reading immediately without advertisements or visual distractions.
Chris Ronald, RBC’s regional president for Atlantic Canada, said the initiative will help provide students with additional literacy resources.
“More than one in four Canadian kids start school without the skills they need to learn to read, and too many never catch up,” Ronald said.
“By helping provide New Brunswick children with free access to Rally Reader’s digital library, they’ll gain the tools, confidence and curiosity they need to become strong readers and build thriving futures.”
Families can find more information and register through the Rally Reader New Brunswick website.
Registration is available in English and French. The platform currently offers 250 French-language titles, with more expected to be added.
